The firm offers a three-week summer fellowship to 1Ls who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity in the legal profession.  The fellowship provides a $10,000 stipend as well as lodging in Houston.

Fellows spend three weeks working closely with our legal team on substantive matters. The experience also includes robust educational and social programming, such as after-work events, visits to Houston attractions, ‘lunch and learns’ with partners, and attendance of external activities (such as depositions and jury trials) alongside firm lawyers. Each fellow is assigned a senior associate “facilitator,” who regularly checks in to resolve any questions or concerns.

Our goal is to show you why a litigation boutique may be the best choice for your career growth. Because we view this fellowship as the first phase of a pipeline to long-term employment at Hicks Johnson, we typically ask fellows to return as 2L summer associates and/or first-year associates once they have successfully completed the program.

Summer Associates

Applicants for our summer associate program should have a thirst for trial and litigation practice, as well as the creativity, intellectual curiosity, and motivation to hit the ground running.

Prepare to dive headfirst into “big case” civil trial practice. Because we rely on lean staffing to maximize flexibility and efficiency, summer associates are integrated into our litigation teams from day one, much like junior associates. You’ll be given substantive assignments—such as drafting motions, preparing deposition questions, and researching strategy memos—that have a real impact on the firm’s success.

Our culture is high-energy, unpretentious, and entrepreneurial. Everyone here genuinely enjoys the practice of law. We also like working together, and dislike bureaucracy and busy work. We trust summer associates to take ownership of issues and cases, committing to their own professional development.

Today’s lawyers face unprecedented challenges—and opportunities. At Hicks Johnson, we are prepared to meet this moment. We seek exceptional early-career and lateral associates who share our goals and ideals. In return, we offer a dynamic and supportive culture where you can build an outstanding career, as well as top-tier compensation and benefits comparable with Am Law 50 firms—including the industry’s best parental leave policy.

Our associates are a vital part of every team and assume significant responsibility at the firm. You’ll attend depositions and try cases during your first year, giving you valuable opportunities to hone your trial skills. You’ll also benefit from close collaboration with partners and senior counsel, who invest significant time and energy into nurturing younger lawyers.

Because we thrive on innovation and initiative, we provide high-level coaching and training to lawyers looking to develop new business. Senior associates, partners, and counsel are encouraged to shape their practices according to their individual strengths and goals.

Paralegals and Staff

Our professional staff is an intrinsic part of the firm’s success. At Hicks Johnson, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of producing high-quality work that reinforces our reputation for outstanding client service. And you’ll get the support you need to pursue rewarding career development opportunities.

Project Assistants

As part of our commitment to early, effective mentorship, we invite recent college graduates who are taking a “gap year” while considering law school to work with us full time for 1-2 years. In addition to providing a front-row seat to a career in trial law, our project assistant initiative helps participants with the law school application process and, ultimately, points the way to a successful legal career.